Hulk Hogan Recalls Rocky Johnson Taking Him Under His Wing

Rocky Johnson became influential for Hulk Hogan when he joined WWE, after The Hulkster had driven Johnson to shows before getting into the wrestling industry himself.

Before getting into the world of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan was in a rock and roll band which meant he used to frequent one of the same bars that the wrestlers used to, and gave him an opportunity to get a foot in the door.

When visiting the Imperial Room, Hogan eventually struck up a conversation with the wrestlers and ended up forming a long-term friendship with Rocky Johnson, father to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Once both were in WWE, Johnson took Hogan under his wing whilst he was learning the ropes.

Hogan “Broke Speeding Limits” To Make Last Call

In a discussion with Sports Illustrated, Hulk Hogan has recalled his time with Johnson, including driving him to and from some of his matches.

This was back when I was in a rock and roll band. I finally got the nerve to speak to the guys, and there was one time where I offered to drive Rocky Johnson to Tallahassee for his match

That was a five-hour drive, but I didn’t care, I was just so excited. I drove him in my girlfriend’s brand-new Ford Torino, and I was so proud to drive him. I ended up driving him a few times, and I’d be gone until the sun came up.

Or, if he was on earlier, I’d break every speeding limit to get him back to the Imperial Room before last call. When I went to New York in ’79 [to work for the World Wrestling Federation], he took me under his wing when he wrestled there. I never forgot that.

Last week, Hulk Hogan tied the knot two months after getting engaged.